That whole connection issue, has been with me most of my days. One of my old high school friends called me autistic when she was drunk. I was so stuck in my own head and wrapped up with myself at high school, then the manic phases kicked in about 4th year and I could make people laugh , but I was still alone with no best pal to speak of...
Fast forward a couple of years and I end up in hospital so from 18-28(now) whats supposed to be best days of my life have been wasted because of my "condition." I am riddled with anxiety and socially awkward so I really have two dependable friends but I wish I had a " bestie"

Ive had to learn how to "chill", the past few years. You can do it just try and wind down a bit. Maybe ask sum1 to do something if it breaks the ice like go bowling, play pool, or watch a film and drink. Gives you something to do, task related like you said.

I also used to get quite obsessed with things and I would feel comfort knowing I had something on, I did martial arts too!! I was a black belt and taught. I did it because my mum and dad wouldn't let me hang with my friends because they hung around with a "druggie crowd" so maybe I missed out. So relaxing was never my thing.

When I got ill I was obsessed with reading, as I wanted to be a writer it gave me an aim and purpose. I desperately sought an identity, over having good friends. I regret it and I'm paying the price but one day i'll have a career. You have that going for you, so you ARE capable of great things.

Have you heard of AYN RAND. Her novels are all about INDIVIDUALISM. I highly recommend!!

Sometimes you have to give up first before you start looking again. You could try and let things be, for a while.

I think trying to find people on the spectrum may be a good tactic. Create a profile that says what your affliction is or is that too forward ? One of my friends I met in the psyche ward and we got closer through clubs directed at mental health problems